Shogunate Japan

Minamato Clan Seizes Power in the Emperors Name

Jan 1, 1180

The Minamoto were one of four great clans that dominated Japanese politics during the Heian period — the other three were the Fujiwara, the Taira, and the Tachibana.

‘Goseibai Shikimoku’ legal code established.

Jan 1, 1232

Before enacting the Goseibai Shikimoku, the Kamakura shogunate conducted trials without formal laws. After the Jōkyū War, an increasing number of land disputes between its vassals, and peasants made fair trials indispensable.

First Mongol Invasion of Japan

Jan 1, 1268

With an estimated 15,000 Mongol and Chinese soldiers and 8,000 Korean soldiers, in 300 large vessels and 400-500 smaller crafts. Around nightfall, a severe storm caused the Mongol ship captains to suggest that the land troops re-embark the ships in order to avoid the risk of being marooned on Japanese soil.

Second Mongol Invasion of Japan

Jan 1, 1281

Consisted of 900 ships and 40 000 Korean, Chinese and Mongol troops. And a second fleet of 100 000 troops on 3 500 ships. Apparently, Southern Song type ships were too costly and their construction was too slow, so the traditional types were constructed.

Emperor Go-Daigo overthrows the Kamakura government.

Jan 1, 1324

His plot was spottted immediately and foiled.

Rivalry between Northern and Southern Emperors begins

Jan 1, 1348

Lasted until 1351(3 years).

Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu

Jan 1, 1392

Yoshimitsu brings about the end to Nanboku-cho fighting. This event had the effect of firmly establishing the authority of the Muromachi shogunate and suppressing the power of the regional age daimyo who might challenge that central authority

Beginning of the Warring States Era

Jan 1, 1467

In 1467, there was a fight about who should be the next Ashikaga Shogun. This was the cause of a lot of wars for eleven years. Most of the city of Kyoto was destroyed in the fighting and the power of the Ashikaga Bakufu ended. This first war ended in 1477 but the fighting started again and continued for more than a hundred years.

Firearms Arrive in Japan

Jan 1, 1543

Blown off course during a storm, Portuguese traders shipwrecked near Tangeshima island off the southern coast of Japan. Intrigued by the Portuguese firearms, the local daimyo warlord bought two guns from the European sailors and commissioned his swordsmith to make copies.

Tokugawa shogunate rule

Period: Jan 1, 1600 to Dec 31, 1868

The Tokugawa shogun was started by Emperor Go-Yōzei, and situated there capital at Edo(Now known as Tokyo). The Tokugawa Shogunate lasted for 268 years.